Feb 10 2009
what did you just say to me?
So I have a little story to share.
Yesterday the boys had a school holiday and I also had Jury Duty. Don took the day “off” work (he ended up working from home) so I wouldn’t have to take the boys with me. We have a child care at the courthouse for people with children. It was a good thing he did because it was pouring yesterday, complete with hail!
Anyway, made it to the courtroom and was there all day, 8 – 4:30. During one of the breaks I was given a nice little insult, which I’m thinking was unintentional.
Some of the ladies were chatting and sharing with each other what their jobs were. I was next to them, and participating in some of the chatter when I was asked by one of them what I did. I told them, with a smile, that I am a Stay-at-Home-Mom. She quickly replied “Oh, they won’t pick you. They want educated people to be on the Jury” then proceeded to say how she’s always wanted for to be on the Jury because of her job.
I kind of started at her, wondering if I really just heard her correctly. Then break was over and we entered the room again.
At the end of the day, jury selection was still going on and I even got to make it to the box! Due to time, the Judge had to go thru the room asking for hardships since we’d have to return today to finish the selection process.
When she got to me I shared that I was a SAHM, that I had two boys in grade school, and that I was the one who took them to/from school. I was very lucky Don was able to work from home yesterday, and that I didn’t have anyone who could pick them up for me (drop off wasn’t an issue due to the time the court starts). She then asked me “What do you do when you’re sick?” I told her that I took them to school, came home to rest, picked them up then started homework. The gentleman next to me chuckled with my straight forward answer and I thought it was quite a silly question, considering all the self-employed people in the room. Not a single one of them was asked what happened when they were sick and couldn’t perform their job.
Anyway, I was excused and some day when the boys are older, maybe I’ll get the chance to be selected to sit on a Jury again. For now, I’m enjoying being a SAHM and caring for my family. One thing that really struck me was that out of a room of 75 people, I was the only SAHM. That made me feel pretty lucky and feel really good about the decision we made for our family. I know there are many Moms out there who would love to be a SAHM, but have to work. This is what I went away with yesterday. I really am lucky and we are blessed to be able to have me home while the boys are young and going to school. It’s nice to be here for them when they are sick, when they need something that they forgot run to school, to be able to pick them up and bring them home.
So, when I got home I gave my boys big hugs and kisses – including Don, who works so hard so that we are able to have me home for our boys.
8 responses so far
I had to laugh at the comment made by that woman AND by the Judge!! People really just don’t think. Why assume that just because you’re a SAHM that you aren’t educated. My Ultimate Goal is to be a SAHM. But for now, since we don’t have kids, I work. I’m also getting a triple masters. But will my education go out the window when I AM a SAHM? LOL, I think NOT.
Ugh!! People still amaze me… she was probably not even thinking what she was saying! Emily, I think is marvelous that you have the opportunity to be at SAHM. Kudos to you and Don! (is a team effort)
Emily, I was a nurse and then chose to be a stay at home mom….I never went back to nursing and I don’t regret a single minute of my time at home, raising my family. I applaud you for choosing to make your family come first!
Oh my gosh!!! The nerve, to was a nurse and by choice am a SAHM, a registered nurse at that.. I feel so blessed that I have a husband who provides everything our family needs and some, and when did being a SAHM stop being a job,1. I start my day at 5am Monday-Friday, get the kids to school one being in an electric chair which has to be loaded on the lift and she (Hannah 10) is such a blessing, I have 2 stepboys 13 and 10 who both have ADD/ADHD, trips to school the store back to school homework dinner baths clothes to wash, blah blah blah its just an ongoing job to run a home while the husbands at work, some people are just blessed with ignorance, pray for them.. You have a wonderful day!!! Hold your head high, you got the best job ever.Lasona
Oh my, I’m not sure I could have let that one go; some people really are so careless, (maybe her mom had to work and wasn’t there or didn’t have time to teach her manners when she was growing up!); I was lucky enough to stay at home with my kids and have never regretted one minute; it’s the best decision we ever made! You’re doing a good thing Emily!
My hat off to you for stading our groud and not lettng thm affect you. I ran a home daycare when my boys were young so I cold stay home with them. They both have told me they appreciated my being here and the warm memories they have of that time. It is definately a privlege to be able to do so. Enjoy this time because tomorrow you will wake up and be over and those little boys will be off to college.
My hat off to you for standing your ground and not letting them affect you. I ran a home daycare when my boys were young so I cold stay home with them. They both have told me they appreciated my being here and the warm memories they have of that time. It is definately a privelege to be able to do so. Enjoy this time because tomorrow you will wake up and be over and those little boys will be off to college.
You should send this email to Dr. Laura, you’d win a prize. . . not that I listen to a girlie radio show like that or anything.